On Thursday, August 7, the music world was struck by the sad news that Brandon Blackstock had passed away at the age of 48. After fighting a private, three-year battle with cancer, he died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.
The family confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement:
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
Brandon’s Career in the Music Industry
Brandon Blackstock was a well-known talent manager, representing top country and pop artists such as Rascal Flatts and Blake Shelton. He also managed his then-wife, Kelly Clarkson, during part of their marriage.
His connection to the music world began long before his management career. His father, Narvel Blackstock, was a respected artist manager who was married to country music superstar Reba McEntire for nearly 26 years.
When Reba McEntire married Narvel Blackstock in 1989, Brandon was just 12 years old. Alongside Narvel’s other children — Chassidy and Shawna — Brandon became part of Reba’s blended family.
The couple had one child together, a son named Shelby, but Reba embraced all of Narvel’s children as her own. In a 2010 interview with The Boot, she explained:
“I don’t consider Brandon, Chassidy, and Shawna stepchildren. I claim them all.”
Her approach to family was clear: titles didn’t matter — love did.
Even after Reba and Narvel divorced in 2015, she continued to maintain a strong relationship with her stepchildren. She remained supportive of Brandon through all aspects of his life, including his high-profile marriage to Kelly Clarkson in 2013.
Interestingly, Reba was already friends with Kelly before the marriage, which made the family connection even more unique. Speaking to Us Weekly in 2019, she said:
“She’s married [to] my oldest son, Brandon, but we’re also good friends. So that goes a long way… when you can have a good friend as a part of your family.”
When Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, the media often asked Reba for her thoughts. She consistently expressed love for both Brandon and Kelly, refusing to take sides.
In a 2022 interview with Entertainment Tonight, she shared:
“Brandon’s been my son forever, it seems. Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total — my blood, so I’m praying for them both because I love them both.”
Her words reflected a deep, lasting bond that wasn’t broken by divorce or distance.
In his last months, Brandon was surrounded by the people he loved most. In March 2025, his half-brother posted a series of photos from RodeoHouston, where Reba performed. The pictures showed Brandon smiling and spending quality time with family members — a reminder of the close ties that defined his life.
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Brandon’s passing marks the end of a life filled with music, family connections, and personal resilience. He will be remembered not only for his work in the entertainment industry but also for the love he shared with those around him.
For Reba McEntire, his loss is deeply personal. Over the decades, she spoke openly about how much he meant to her, always describing him as family in every sense of the word.
The story of Reba McEntire and Brandon Blackstock is one of genuine love beyond bloodlines. From the moment she became his stepmother, Reba embraced him fully — a relationship that endured for more than 35 years.
As the Blackstock and McEntire families grieve, fans are reminded that the bonds we form through love, not just through birth, can be some of the most profound and lasting.
